Clarence Albee Nelms

November 20, 1924 - March 21, 2009

Clarence Nelms, 84, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died March 21, 2009 in Gothenburg, NE.

He was born November 20, 1924 in Alva, OK, son of Nealy L. and Eva May (Hall) Nelms. Clarence had an interest in agriculture and livestock from an early age. He was active in 4-H and FFA and received the Colorado State Gardening Champion award. He graduated from Grand Junction High School.

Clarence served his country in the Navy for 3 1/2 years during WWII.

Clarence married Mary Esther Joseph on September 8, 1946 at Grand Junction, CO. Clarence and Esther moved to Fort Collins where he attended and graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in veterinary medicine.

After graduation Clarence and Esther moved to Gothenburg where he worked as a veterinarian for 27 years.

He was a member Lions Club, Stock Growers-President 1978, NE Veterinary Medical Association, Dawson County 4-H and 4-H Council, Tri Trails Boy Scouts Council, American Legion, VFW, member of dance club and officer of Square Dance club. He was inducted into the Dawson County Cattleman Hall of Fame 2002, he purchased a farm north of Gothenburg in 1960 and started raising Black Angus cows.

Surviving are wife, Mary Esther Nelms of Gothenburg, NE, sons: Kenneth A Nelms of San Diego, CA; Larry E.(Georgia) Nelms of North Platte; James L. Nelms of Gothenburg, NE; daughter, Celeste L. Nelms of Brady, NE; brothers, Bruce Nelms of Graham, WA; sisters, Ivena (Richard) Roush of Loveland, CO; Wilma Lee Willmarth Tucson, AZ; three sister-in-laws Leah Nelms of Lamoni, IA; Elsie Nelms of Loveland, CO; Charlotte Nelms of Fitzgerald, GA; Eight Grandchildren and Ten Great-Grandchildren.

Clarence was preceded in death by son, Gregory D. Nelms, brothers, Lawrence, Hugh, and Gail and his parents, Nealy L. and Eva May.

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